MARK MCCHRYSTAL says he is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a foot injury and backed his Tranmere Rovers team-mates to get a positive result against Oldham Athletic tomorrow.

Rovers welcome the Latics to Prenton Park knowing a win would take them above Paul Dickov’s side in the nPower League One table, and off the back of a promising 1-1 draw at leaders Charlton Athletic last time out.

And McChrystal believes collecting three points against the sides in and around Tranmere is absolutely crucial if Les Parry’s side are to enjoy a successful season, but expects a tough game tomorrow.

“We approach every game the same,” said the 27-year-old defender. “They (Oldham) have had a great win earlier in the week against MK Dons, which will give them a major lift.

“The game last season was a tough game, and I think this will be the same. But I think everyone is looking forward to it.

“But in terms of it being a “derby”, well I think everyone is just looking for three points, it doesn’t matter who we are playing.

“It would be a massive three points. Their win (on Monday) took them above us in the league, but this league is so tight that if you can put a run of games together you can be right up there, and if you don’t then you are down there.

“It is nip and tuck, but hopefully we can get a result.”

McChrystal has found himself sidelined recently with a foot injury sustained in the Johnstones Paint Trophy win over Port Vale back in August.

He had originally been expected to be absent for up to three months, but returned to light training this week, and has been pencilled in by Rovers boss Les Parry for a first-team return against Walsall next weekend.